Staying Cool - Hardcover

Antle, Nancy

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0803718764 ISBN 13: 9780803718760

Publisher: Dial, 1997

Synopsis

While training in his grandfather's gym to compete in the Golden Gloves amateur boxing tournament, Curtis also has his eye on bigger prizes

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 3-5. Every day after school Curtis hurries to join his grandfather at his gym where professional and amateur boxers, both adults and children, work out. Today he is distracted by the noises of the gym and his thoughts of keeping his cool. He knows that good boxers don't rely on anger, and he remembers how he lost his temper sparring with Trevor, a boy his age who also longs to fight in the Golden Gloves competition. Eventually, Curtis is given another chance, and he shows his grandfather that his lessons of self-discipline and moderation have made their mark. Lewis's realistic watercolors, at once detailed and impressionistic, successfully depict the common features of life in a small gym?trophies lining a shelf, the bulk of the hitting bag, equipment left on the floor, and the emotional intensity of young fighters. More importantly, both pictures and text capture the loving relationship between a responsible, sensitive young boy and his proud, supportive grandfather. Add this to your list of picture books with appeal for older readers; they'll be drawn to the subject and rewarded with a simple story of substance.?Alicia Eames, formerly at Brooklyn Public Library
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist:

Ages 4-8. Lewis' relaxed, beautiful watercolors illustrate this story about a boy and his grandfather in a city gym. Every day after school, Curtis rushes over to Grandpa's gym in a boarded-up corner grocery store. He tries to concentrate on his homework, but more than anything he wants to box in the local Golden Gloves tournament and make Grandpa proud. First Curtis has to show that he can "stay cool" and not lose control as he did the other day when he was sparring with his best friend and ended up hitting him like crazy. Framed full-page paintings show the gym setting with background figures in silhouette. In the foreground with Curtis and Grandpa are men and boys working out, lifting weights, shadowboxing, jumping rope. The boxing and workouts will grab kids' attention and so will the smiling love between Curtis and Grandpa that is the heart of the story. Hazel Rochman

About this edition

• Publisher: Dial
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0803718764
• ISBN 13: 9780803718760
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32